‘Super-tech’ cars can put drivers at risk

Technology can distract drivers

Cristina Criddle

Published:19:56Friday 01 April 2016

Technology is putting millions of distracted drivers in danger, according to a report.

Motoring law firm Geoffrey Miller found technology was responsible for distracting 57% of drivers - causing 1.4 million drivers to swerve to avoid an oncoming vehicle and around 1.25 million passing through a red light.

There are no specific laws in place to deal with the distraction of having a huge computer screen in the driver’s eye line as yet

Jeanette Miller

The firm warned that a rise in super-tech cars with in-car screens and complimentary Netflix subscriptions could make it harder for motorists to focus on driving.

Five seconds looking away from the road while driving at 30mph can result in a car travelling over 50m.

On the motorway, where a car is travelling at the national speed limit (70 mph), a car could travel 160m while the driver’s gaze is elsewhere.

Research also found a more traditional action, changing the radio station, is the biggest distraction for modern drivers - followed by looking at the satnav or a mobile phone.

They also found men are worse at concentrating on the road and more likely to look at their phone behind the wheel.

Jeanette Miller, managing director of Geoffrey Miller, said although technology has made driving easier and safer, super-tech cars create a risk for motorists.

She said: “Aside from the ‘being in proper control’ laws, there are no specific laws in place to deal with the distraction of having a huge computer screen in the driver’s eye line as yet.

“Legislation has not kept pace with the latest developments in car manufacturing and policy-makers need to consider the implications of these new super-tech cars before they become mainstream.”